The much-maligned VAR courted controversy yet again on Friday night, intervening three times - twice to disallow goals and one to give the Wanderers a penalty - to change the course of a thrilling contest.

Jets coach Merrick took particular issue with the decision to retrospectively rule Nikolai Topor-Stanley had handballed, and was also dismayed a late Jets winner was overturned when Jason Hoffman was judged to have fouled Vedran Janjetovic in the air.

The Wanderers also had a goal disallowed in the first five minutes when was Chris Ikonomidis was ruled offside.

"I thought it was a disgraceful refereeing performance," Merrick said.

"We scored three good goals. One was chalked off and they scored two penalties, both of which were very dubious.

"I got to the stage where I was wondering who the referee was, the person in the middle of the park or the VAR.